Acharya
Charak has been crowned as the Father of Medicine. His renowned work,
the 'Charak Samhita', is considered as an encyclopedia of Ayurveda. His
principles, diagoneses, and cures retain their potency and truth even
after a couple of millennia. When the science of anatomy was confused
with different theories in Europe, Acharya Charak revealed through his
innate genius and enquiries the facts on human anatomy, embryology,
pharmacology, blood circulation and diseases like diabetes,
tuberculosis, heart disease, etc. In the 'Charak Samhita' he has
described the medicinal qualities and functions of 100,000 herbal
plants. He has emphasized the influence of diet and activity on mind and
body. He has proved the correlation of spirituality and physical health
contributed greatly to diagnostic and curative sciences. He has also
prescribed and ethical charter for medical practitioners two centuries
prior to the Hippocratic oath. Through his genius and intuition, Acharya
Charak made landmark contributions to Ayurvedal. He forever remains
etched in the annals of history as one of the greatest and noblest of
rishi-scientists.
ACHARYA SUSHRUT
(600 BCE) FATHER OF PLASTIC SURGERY

A genius who has been glowingly recognized in the annals of medical
science. Born to sage Vishwamitra, Acharya Sushrut details the first
ever surgery procedures in 'Sushrut Samhita,' a unique encyclopedia of
surgery. He is venerated as the father of plastic surgery and the
science of anesthesia. When surgery was in its infancy in Europe,
Sushrut was performing Rhinoplasty (restoration of a damaged nose) and
other challenging operations. In the 'Sushrut Samhita,' he prescribes
treatment for twelve types of fractures and six types of dislocations.
His details on human embryology are simply amazing. Sushrut used 125
types of surgical instruments including scalpels, lancets, needles,
Cathers and rectal speculums; mostly designed from the jaws of animals
and birds. He has also described a number of stitching methods; the use
of horse's hair as thread and fibers of bark. In the 'Sushrut Samhita,'
and fibers of bark. In the 'Sushrut Samhita,' he details 300 types of
operations. The ancient Indians were the pioneers in amputation,
caesarian and cranial surgeries. Acharya Sushrut was a giant in the
arena of medical science.
VARAHAMIHIR
(499-587 CE) EMINENT ASTROLOGER AND ASTRONOMERA

Renowned astrologer and astronomer who was honored with a special
decoration and status as one of the nine gems in the court of King
Vikramaditya in Avanti (Ujjain). Varahamihir's book 'panchsiddhant'
holds a prominent place in the realm of astronomy. He notes that the
moon and planets are lustrous not because of their own light but due to
sunlight. In the 'Bruhad Samhita' and 'Bruhad Jatak,' he has revealed
his discoveries in the domains of geography, constellation, science,
botany and animal science. In his treatise on botanical science,
Varamihir presents cures for various diseases afflicting plants and
trees. The rishi-scientist survives through his unique contributions to
the science of astrology and astronomy.